This time we decided to head to the west coast to make our way to our next destination. We drove once again, through the richest farmland that NZ has to offer. Each turn, each corner, promising to be another feast for the eyes. Cattle looking so well fed and the few sheep we spotted, were in pretty good shape as well. Toss in a few goats and the odd birds, it was a wonderful morning The sun was out and it was warm with bright blue skies for the remainder of the day. The roadsides and many fields are covered in ?tiny yellow and white daisies. Spring has sprung!
Once we hit Omapere the scenery was much more varied. This place is on the South Head to the entrance of the Hokianga Harbour. A very beautiful spot offering wonderful fishing, sailing and swimming. Quite a number of tourists were on the road, either in cars or campervans.
We continued on to the Waipoua Kauri Forest – the Lord of the Forest, Tane Mahuta can be found here. This magnificent specimen is over 2000 years old at 51 metres high and a girth of 13 metres. This forest is one of the last remaining refuges of the might Kauri trees. Many bird calls were tantalising us once again. This whole section of our drive took us through coastal white sands and much natural bush forest with inlet mangrove swamps and rocky shores.
We went through part of Dargaville, a town that has a rugged pioneering past. This town is set on the banks of a very muddy looking Wairoa River.
We continued through smaller country townships – Matakohe, Brynderwyn to hit the highway again. We were going to run late to meet up with a friend at the next B&B. Ah…our trusted “Mad Betty” ie our Garmin GPS navigator, never failed us for a minute, except to tell us NOT take the new Tollway. We found no place to pay, and there are not gates, so it will be interesting when, where we will receive a fine. And to think I had all this coinage in my trusted hand to pay.
Arrived at Verdelais B&B at Tindalls Beach on the North Shore. Beautiful place, great outlook and fun hosts. Just returned from our evening meal and taking my time to wash hair and prepare for our south of Auckland journey tomorrow.
